Mo. bill lets pharmacies not stock certain drugs

Critics say measure reduces access to birth control

A bill that would let pharmacists refuse to stock certain drugs, including birth control pills, passed the Missouri Senate Thursday.

The measure now heads to the House.

While many people have prescriptions filled at chain pharmacies or discount stores, some people in small towns still rely on individual stores.

"Each individual pharmacist needs to make a decision whether they're going to fill that prescription or not," said Nick Smock, the CEO of PBA Health.

His group helps smaller stores compete with large chains.

Smock said the bill could give extra protection to pharmacists. While critics say the bill appears to be aimed at drugs like birth control or the morning-after pill, Smock said customers have options.

"If that patient wants that particular type of chemical, then they should be able to get it. Not necessarily from each individual pharmacy, but there's other avenues," Smock said.

Some pharmacists said they think the bill is just playing politics because they already have the right to refuse to fill prescriptions for any drug that they think would harm a patient.

Many pharmacists can already choose to not stock certain drugs. A pharmacy in Raytown said it hasn't stocked the morning-after pill in two years because no one asked for it.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. David Sater, is a Republican pharmacist from southwest Missouri. He said other states have required that pharmacies stock birth control or emergency contraception, and he thinks pharmacies should be free to sell whatever products its owner chooses.

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